What are common mistakes in tail recursion?

What are common mistakes in tail recursion?

Common mistakes in tail recursion include not using the return value correctly, failing to optimize, and misunderstanding the base case.

Can you explain why the return value is important?

The return value is crucial because it ensures that the result of the recursive call is passed back correctly, maintaining the function's integrity.

What happens if I forget to optimize tail recursion?

Forgetting to optimize can lead to stack overflow errors, as the function may not be executed in constant space.

How can I identify a tail recursive function?

A function is tail recursive if the recursive call is the last operation in the function, allowing for optimization.

Can you give an example of a tail recursive function?

Sure! A classic example is the factorial function, where the recursive call is the last operation.